Latest news with #NationalZoologicalGarden
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Delhi zoo receives otters from Surat after two decades of wait
New Delhi: After two decades of wait, the Delhi zoo finally got otters. Two smooth-coated otters arrived on Thursday afternoon from Surat, Gujarat, in a special truck. Along with the otters, the zoo also received 10 star tortoises from Surat, including five females, adding them to the existing group of star tortoises. The animals have been kept in quarantine. The otters are being fed their favourite fishes, and the turtles are being given vegetables. "Otters and star tortoises have been kept under observation. They will be released for public view after a quarantine period of 3-4 weeks," said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, the zoo director. Otters like clear water, and special ponds will be created for this, he added. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Gold Rates Today in Delhi | Silver Rates Today in Delhi The otters, approximately 2 years old, reached the zoo around 1 pm after completing a 1,200-km journey across three states — Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan — over two days. The transporting vehicle had water tanks and ample fishes to bring them here without any stress. On its journey back, the truck will carry five Eld's deer, two blue and yellow macaws, and four green-cheeked macaws from the Delhi zoo, under the exchange agreement between National Zoological Garden (the Delhi zoo) and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Zoological Garden, Surat. Veterinarian Dr Abhijit Bhawal, who went to bring the otters, was accompanied by Dr Rajesh Patil from the Surat zoo for better monitoring of the mammals on their journey. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo They helped them acclimatise, inspected their new enclosure and gave suggestions for improvement. He said that otters would be able to breed in a year's time. "After two decades, we are getting the otters. These two otters have been separated from their family, so we have to be very careful in their upkeep. Patil's inputs on the newly constructed breeding cell will be helpful in managing the otters. The last otter at the Delhi zoo died in 2004, and we hope to revive its population here in the coming days. Otters love species of fish like Bombay duck fish, mud fish, Indian white mullet and Asian sea bass. During the journey, we examined the animals and gave them rest every 200 km," said Dr Bhawal. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Introducing Enzo: The adorable baby giraffe born at Pretoria Zoo
Little Enzo the giraffe was born earlier this month at the Pretoria Zoo. Image: Supplied The National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria has a new face - a baby giraffe who was born earlier this month and is called Enzo, which means 'ruler of the estate'. He was born on June 8, ahead of World Giraffe Day, which was celebrated on June 21. This is a day initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) to honour the world's tallest land animal on the longest day of the year. The Pretoria Zoo is home to five giraffes, each with a unique personality and story. Among the giraffes is Momo, an 11-year-old matriarch known for her calm and independent nature. She gave birth to a healthy calf, a significant and joyful addition to the zoo family, and the team decided to name the little calf Enzo. Carol Thobela, curator: Carnivores, Pachyderms and Farmyard at NZG, said: 'It's a strong, bold name that suits the energy we have seen already, even though we don't yet know if Enzo is a male or female; the name reflects the confidence and spirit of this little one.' Other members of the herd include Tiago, born in 2020 and hand-reared by staff. He is said to be friendly and playful, often showing affection and recognising his caregivers even in a crowd. Azuri, born in 2022, is confident and proud, usually found observing his surroundings from a high vantage point on his favourite mound. Bonito, the 9-year-old breeding bull, is dominant and food-driven; he'll approach staff members, but only if there's browse involved. 'According to new genetic classifications, the NZG giraffes are assumed to belong to the South African giraffe subspecies (G. g. giraffa), although genetic testing has not yet been conducted to confirm this,' Tracy Rehse, director of Animal Conservation, said. She added that understanding subspecies helps them align their animal management practices with conservation science and ensures that they are contributing meaningful data to global conservation efforts. To keep the giraffes healthy and happy, NZG follows a detailed enclosure management plan and a diet sheet created by a specialist team. Their food is offered using elevated feeders to mimic tree-top grazing, while night shelters and a surrounding wet moat provide security and comfort, taking into account the giraffe's natural reluctance to cross water. The zoo also benefits from generous browse donations by the City of Tshwane and local communities, ensuring the animals receive a varied and natural diet. Beyond care and education, NZG also contributes to long-term conservation by collecting and storing genetic material from giraffes and other wildlife as part of South Africa's national genetic repository. Meanwhile, Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre manages a free-roaming group of 15 giraffes on the game reserve, offering a view into how these animals behave in their natural habitat. World Giraffe Day is not just about admiring Africa's gentle giants; it is a day dedicated to raising awareness and support for the conservation of giraffes, who are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and deteriorating ecological infrastructure. While promoting animal welfare and public education, the zoo also plays an important role in national conservation efforts. Although giraffes are locally classified as of least concern, the species is globally listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with some subspecies facing a higher risk of extinction.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- General
- IOL News
National Zoological Garden welcomes new blacktip reef sharks and vibrant marine fish
The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden The National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria is now the new home of three blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and 220 colourful marine fish. The new editions are part of the garden's ongoing mission to connect people with biodiversity and highlight the importance of marine conservation through education and immersive experiences. 'The arrival of these animals not only adds to the beauty and diversity of our exhibits but also helps us tell a bigger story about ocean ecosystems and the threats they face,' said NZG animal collections director, Tracy Rehse. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks to its collection. Image: National Zoological Garden Rehse said the NZG recently completed renovating their marine displays, including fixing leaking and broken glass fronts, renovating filtration systems and replacing the pumps. 'During the renovation period, our acquisitions of new fish were put on hold. Now that the repairs are complete, our tanks have been revived through the additional fish received,' Rehse said. The marine animals arrived on March 27 at OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya following a 10-hour flight and were transported to the NZG. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks and 220 marine fish species to its collection. The marine animals arrived on March 27. Image: National Zoological Garden 'They were unpacked the same evening, and the majority were put directly into the display tanks,' Rehse said. She said that because the NZG is not a coastal aquarium, they manufacture seawater that is conducive to making the fish thrive. This consists of up to 14 different chemicals to get the composition correct. 'We have held marine fish for many years, so no major adjustments needed to be made,' Rehse said about the potential for modifications to house the new marine animals. Rehse added that the new additions have fully settled, thriving, feeding well, interacting with their surroundings, and capturing the curiosity and admiration of visitors. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks to its collection. The sharks are currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Image: National Zoological Garden Blacktip reef sharks Each shark travelled in a 1 000-litre plastic tank fitted with secure lids and connected to life support systems to ensure proper oxygenation while travelling. Upon arrival, they were carefully introduced to their new environment, gradually adjusting water temperature, salinity, and pH to ensure a smooth and stress-free acclimation process. These sharks are currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List because in the wild, they face growing threats from habitat destruction and overfishing. With the species listed as vulnerable, Rehse said the plan is not to breed, but to use the sharks as 'ambassadors to create awareness of the threats to these species and our coastlines, and to inspire our visitors by showcasing the amazing diversity found under our oceans'. The National Zoological Garden has added three blacktip reef sharks to its collection. The sharks are known for their distinctive, black-tipped fins and speed. Image: National Zoological Garden The blacktip reef shark is a fast and agile species native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive, black-tipped fins and remarkable swimming speed, these sharks are effective daytime hunters that often move in small groups, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. They typically live 10 to 12 years in the wild, but in well-maintained aquariums, they can live for over 20 years and grow to be 1.5 to 2 metres long. The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden Marine fish Along with the sharks were 220 marine fish, including striking species such as powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Each fish was individually transported in oxygen-rich marine water and carefully acclimated to their new habitat using controlled floating methods before joining the existing aquarium population. The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden Rehse said the fish are found in tropical Indian Ocean waters. They thrive on the reefs, generally in shallow waters, and eat a variety of algae and invertebrates. Unlike the sharks, none of the new fish are considered threatened. The National Zoological Garden has added 220 marine fish species like powder blue tangs, skunk-striped anemonefish, stars and stripes pufferfish, and green bird wrasse. Image: National Zoological Garden
IOL News
24-04-2025
- IOL News
National Zoological Garden enhances marine collection with new arrivals
The National Zoological Garden (NZG) has new additions of Marine life, consisting of three Blacktip Reef Sharks and more than 200 colourful marine fish. This latest development forms part of NZG's ongoing mission to connect people with biodiversity and highlight the importance of marine conservation through education and immersive experiences. Image: The National Zoological Garden The National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria has taken a significant step towards enriching its marine life collection with the arrival of three Blacktip Reef Sharks and over 200 vibrant marine fish. This new wave of aquatic inhabitants is set to energise the largest inland aquarium on the African continent, providing visitors with an even more captivating look into the complexities and beauty of ocean life. In a bid to foster greater appreciation for biodiversity and marine conservation, the recent additions underline NZG's commitment to educating the public about the ocean's diverse ecosystems. Tracy Rehse, Director of Animal Collections at NZG, emphasized the importance of the latest arrivals. 'The arrival of these animals not only adds to the beauty and diversity of our exhibits but also helps us tell a bigger story about ocean ecosystems and the threats they face.' The National Zoological Garden has introduced hundreds of colourful marine fish to their aquarium Image: The National Zoological Garden The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is known for its striking black-tipped fins and hunting agility. Native to the shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, these sharks are not just beautiful; they play a vital role in their ecosystem, preying on fish and crustaceans. Unfortunately, they are currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) due to pressing threats such as habitat destruction and overfishing. Typically, these sharks live up to 12 years in the wild, yet in well-maintained aquariums, they can thrive for over 20 years, potentially reaching lengths between 1.5 to 2 metres. The sharks journeyed to their new home, arriving at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya after a 10-hour flight. Each shark was carefully transported in a large 1,000-litre plastic tank equipped with secure lids and connected to life support systems, ensuring they received adequate oxygenation throughout their voyage. Upon arrival, the NZG team meticulously acclimatised the sharks, gradually adjusting water temperature, salinity, and pH levels to facilitate a smooth transition into their new environment. The impressive marine relocation also includes 220 new fish species, such as the Powder Blue Tang, Skunk-striped Anemonefish, Stars and Stripes Pufferfish, and Green Bird Wrasse. Each member of this vibrant group was also transported individually in oxygen-rich marine water and introduced to their new home using controlled floating methods, allowing them to adjust to their surroundings without stress. With the new marine residents now comfortably settled, they have begun to thrive, actively interacting with their environment and captivating the attention of visitors who flock to see them. The NZG encourages the public to explore this fascinating underwater realm right in the heart of Pretoria, reinforcing the importance of ocean life and marine ecosystems.
